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FLORENCE – McLeod Health has once again partnered with Francis Marion University to support the university’s nursing program. McLeod Regional Medical Center's Chief Nursing Officer Leanne Huminski and staff members were on hand Thursday, June 7, to present a $75,000 gift to FMU.

“We want to thank McLeod Health for the continuing support to our nursing program,” said FMU President Dr. Fred Carter. “This generous gift will enhance the financial support that we can provide to students who are desirous of pursuing careers in nursing."

This donation by McLeod Health reflects continued financial support of the nursing program at FMU. This is one of many times that McLeod has provided this level of support directly to the nursing program at FMU, in addition to McLeod’s previous contributions to nursing education through the Medical University of South Carolina satellite nursing program at FMU for six years.

MUSC began operating a satellite-nursing program at FMU in 1982. Carter and MUSC President Raymond S. Greenberg agreed in 2004 to transfer control of the program to FMU.

Bricks and mortar came with the $5.5 million donation made by the Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation of Florence toward the Dr. Frank B. Lee Nursing Building, a $7.6 million, 30,000-plus square foot building to house FMU’s stand-alone baccalaureate nursing program. Located just north of the campus pond and adjacent to the McNair Science Building, the two-story building contains all classrooms, patient care labs and support spaces needed for an expanded nursing program at FMU.

Enrollment in the program has doubled since its inception. That increase is a direct result of the quality of the program.

“This gift recognizes the University and its nursing program for their commitment to the development of outstanding health care professionals for the Pee Dee Region,” stated Leanne Huminski, chief nursing officer for McLeod.

Additionally, McLeod serves as a learning site for more than 100 nurses a year who are FMU students in local nursing programs.